Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Sony Xperia 1 IV
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | Xperia 1 IV is taller and narrower, A52 is wider and slightly thicker. A52 feels more bulky in the hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 185g | Both phones are similarly weighted, with no practical difference in hand feel |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size, but different display characteristics. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 IV's higher resolution provides noticeably sharper visuals and text; ideal for detailed content, video editing and graphics. |
| PPI | 407 | 643 | Xperia 1 IV has a much sharper display. Fine details and text appear significantly clearer |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both are high-quality, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 1 IV provides smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced apps and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, which is not helpful for the comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 IV's flagship chipset offers significantly faster processing, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance; A52 offers decent performance for daily tasks, but lacks power for intensive usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV's significantly higher score indicates substantially faster performance in real-world use cases, app launches, and overall responsiveness |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV's superior GPU provides a much better gaming experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 1 IV's larger battery likely offers better battery life for heavy use. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Xperia 1 IV charges slightly faster; both offer decent fast-charging |
| Features | QC2.0 and AFC | Bypass Charging | A52's QC2.0 and AFC improve the charging process. Xperia 1 IV's Bypass Charging helps reduce heat during usage when plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8 | 12MP f/1.7 | A52 has higher resolution but the Xperia 1 IV has larger pixels. Xperia 1 IV's larger pixel size means better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.0 | A52's higher megapixel count can offer more detail in good lighting conditions. The slightly larger aperture on the Xperia 1 IV aids in low-light shots. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP f/2.3 | Xperia 1 IV offers optical zoom capabilities, absent on the A52. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.2 | Both have similar wide-angle cameras. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | Present | Xperia 1 IV includes a depth sensor, improving autofocus and portrait mode. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 5MP f/2.4 | None | A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for better background blurring in portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | None | A52 allows for close-up macro shots, absent on the Xperia 1 IV. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 4K@120fps, 1080p@120fps | Xperia 1 IV offers more video options including higher frame rate capture and better stabilization, and HDR recording. |
| DXOMark | Not Available | 105 Mobile Score | Xperia 1 IV has been benchmarked and scored well. |
| Camera Features | Night Mode | Optical zoom, PDAF, RAW | Xperia 1 IV offers advanced features such as RAW capture and optical zoom while A52 offers night mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | A52 has a more recent Android software update, while both devices receive upgrades from base OS versions |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6E | Xperia 1 IV offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and improved performance in congested environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Xperia 1 IV has better Bluetooth features and improved efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xperia 1 IV has more accurate location tracking with dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Xperia 1 IV supports eSIM for easy carrier switching, while A52 supports two physical SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Xperia 1 IV offers larger storage options, a major plus for users with lots of media and apps. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 12/16GB | Xperia 1 IV offers superior multitasking capabilities and better gaming performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer high-quality audio with stereo speakers; Xperia 1 IV's Hi-Res Audio provides a richer experience when using supported headphones or speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 1 IV’s side-mounted fingerprint scanner is generally faster and more reliable. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 1 IV has superior glass protection, making it more resistant to scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Geomagnetic, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Xperia 1 IV has a more complete suite of sensors (compass, barometer), while A52 has a geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Lower Price: Generally more affordable.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Useful for specific photography use cases.
- More Recent OS Upgrade: Upgraded to Android 14
Practical Implications:
- A52 is suitable for users on a budget looking for a well-rounded device.
- A52 caters to users who value macro photography and have specific needs.
- A52 has slightly better OS upgrade prospects.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Superior processing power for gaming and multitasking.
- Higher Resolution and Refresh Rate Display: Sharper, smoother visuals.
- Better Cameras: Superior low-light performance and telephoto lens.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life.
- Superior Build Quality: Stronger screen protection and more robust construction.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Improved WiFi and Bluetooth versions.
- More Sensors: Advanced suite of sensors, especially for location-based activities.
- Hi-Res Audio: Superior audio output capabilities.
Practical Implications:
- Xperia 1 IV is ideal for power users, gamers, and photography enthusiasts.
- Xperia 1 IV provides a premium user experience with top-tier features.
Trade-offs:
- A52 is more affordable, but offers less performance.
- Xperia 1 IV is significantly more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users
- Users who value a balance of features without flagship performance
- Casual photographers who want macro and depth sensors.
- Use Cases:
- Daily tasks such as social media browsing, email, and basic gaming
- Casual photography and video recording in good lighting
- Users who need a reliable phone without breaking the bank.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Ideal User:
- Power users who demand high performance
- Mobile gamers who require smooth, lag-free gameplay
- Photography and video enthusiasts who need excellent image quality and zoom
- Users who value a premium display and audio experience
- Professionals who need the most cutting edge connectivity options.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming and video editing
- Professional photography and videography
- Heavy multitasking and app usage
- Users who want a top-tier multimedia experience.
- Use in outdoor environments or need to record positional data in their work.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- A52 offers good value for budget-conscious users.
- Xperia 1 IV provides exceptional value for those who require high-end performance and are willing to pay a premium.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The A52 is significantly more affordable.
- How important is performance and gaming? The Xperia 1 IV is a much better performer.
- What are your primary camera needs? A52 is decent, but Xperia 1 IV excels with low-light and zoom.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Shopper: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 for its affordability and balanced features.
- Mobile Gamer/Power User: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV for its superior performance, display, and gaming capabilities.
- Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV for its advanced camera features and low-light performance.
- Casual User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 if you have basic needs and wish to save money.
- Connectivity Focused User: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV for its superior wi-fi and Bluetooth versions.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV.
Why?
While I appreciate the affordability of the A52, my priorities lean heavily towards performance, camera quality, and a superior user experience. I value a phone that can handle demanding applications and games smoothly, and I would greatly benefit from having a high-quality camera that performs exceptionally well in various conditions. The Xperia 1 IV, despite its higher price tag, delivers on all these aspects with its cutting-edge chipset, stunning display, advanced camera system, and robust build quality. The addition of features such as a telephoto lens, better low-light performance, and superior connectivity make it the better choice for my needs, especially as I find myself using my phone frequently for intensive tasks. The added benefit of a higher refresh rate screen also elevates day-to-day usage considerably. Additionally, I am partial to side-mounted fingerprint sensors, making the Xperia 1 IV a compelling option for me. For my personal usage, the premium features and substantial performance upgrade offered by the Xperia 1 IV justify the higher cost.
